DoT directive: 5 in 10 users do not support SIM-binding by messaging apps, survey finds

As per India’s SIM-binding rule, online messaging platforms have been mandated to bar users from accessing their services without the SIM card used to register for the application. Also, the rule says that within 90 days, any web version of the app must automatically log users out at least once every six hours. The measure is aimed at curbing rising digital fraud.

The survey, which was carried out to gauge consumers’ views of the regulation and whether they feared any adverse impact, also found that 4 in 10 respondents use messaging and calling apps on multiple devices without a SIM card.

The directive issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) earlier this month also imposes time limits on companion web instances of online messaging apps, requiring users to log in to WhatsApp Web, for instance, every six hours using QR codes.

These requirements will have to be implemented within three months, and the platforms will have to submit compliance reports in 120 days.

While the DoT and other proponents of the directive, such as telecom body Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), have argued that continuous SIM-binding could make the traceability of scammers easier, security and policy experts have flagged several technical hurdles it could face in implementation.

It has also raised concerns among lawyers and digital rights advocates, who fear that continuous SIM-binding would threaten users’ privacy and complicate access for those using messaging platforms across multiple devices, especially in professional set-ups.

A majority of respondents (39 per cent) said that they use messaging and calling apps on devices without a SIM card, as per the survey.

“The survey shows that while there is a sizeable number of users who believe that SIM-binding will improve user safety and reduce misuse, many are concerned about the disruption and inconvenience it will cause for those who use multiple devices,” LocalCircles said.

Only 2 in 3 consumers surveyed believe that SIM-Binding will improve user safety and reduce misuse of communication apps, according to the survey. “DoT may consider finding ways to implement SIM-binding in India on an optional basis, giving users who are willing or want the added security to opt for it,” it added.

Separately, following intense public backlash, the DoT withdrew its order requiring smartphone manufacturers to preinstall the government’s Sanchar Saathi app on all new handsets and push it onto existing devices through a software update.

Key findings of the survey report

These findings are based on over 1,15,000 responses from consumers, located in 332 districts across India. Most of the registered participants (32 per cent) were from tier 2 cities, with five per cent from tier 1 cities and 23 per cent from tier 3, 4, and 5 regions, as well as other rural districts.

In the survey report, SIM-binding is defined as the practice of locking a device or service to a specific SIM card or mobile operator. Here’s the full breakdown of the findings:

1. “Do you currently use WhatsApp or other messaging/ calling apps on devices without a SIM card (e.g., Wi-Fi tablets, desktops, laptops)?”

Out of 27,689 who responded to the question:

– 39 per cent said “yes, regularly”

– 32 per cent said “yes, occasionally”

– 26 per cent said “no, never”

– 3 per cent did not give a clear answer

2. “If the government mandates SIM binding for messaging and calling apps (e.g., WhatsApp), how will this impact your current usage of these apps across multiple devices such as tablets, laptops, or desktops?”

Out of 21,013 who responded to the question:

– 30 per cent said they will be significantly impacted

– 30 per cent said they will be somewhat impacted

– 34 per cent said they will not be impacted

– 6 per cent did not give a clear answer

3. “Do you believe SIM Binding will improve user safety and reduce misuse of communication apps (fraud, spam, scams, impersonation, etc.)?”

Out of 26,748 who responded to the question:

– 36 per cent said it will significantly improve safety

– 30 per cent said it will somewhat improve safety

– 13 per cent said it will not improve safety

– 15 per cent said it will make usage more difficult without safety benefits

– 6 per cent did not give a clear answer

4. “If SIM Binding becomes mandatory, how prepared are you to link your app accounts on each device to a SIM-based verification process?”

Out of 17,320 who responded to the question:

– 39 per cent said they were fully prepared and willing

– 19 per cent said they were somewhat prepared but concerned

– 21 per cent said they were not prepared

– 9 per cent said they did not support SIM-binding at all

– 12 per cent did not give a clear answer

5. “With SIM Binding, users may not be able to use their India-registered WhatsApp or other messaging apps abroad if their Indian SIM is inactive, removed, or replaced with a foreign SIM – even if they have Wi-Fi access. Are you okay with this possible disruption while travelling internationally?”

Out of 23,027 who responded to the question:

– 16 per cent said they were okay with it

– 16 per cent said they were somewhat okay but concerned

– 52 per cent said they were not okay with it

– 16 per cent did not give a clear answer

To be sure, for users travelling abroad, the DoT clarified in a statement that the new rule will not affect “cases where the SIM is present in the handset, and the user is on roaming.” However, it is still unclear how the selective application of continuous SIM-binding will work in practice.